Chris Ellsworth

1960 - 2023

Christopher Thomas Ellsworth, born in Encino, California to Bill and Nancy Ellsworth. A long time resident of Grass Valley and Nevada City, passed away at his home in Las Vegas on January 28. He is survived by his wife, Michelle Shockley, Son, Ben Ellsworth and Jeanna of Monterey, mother, Nancy Boling of Grass Valley, brother John Ellsworth of Grass Valley and brother David Ellsworth of Daytona, Florida. Chris was working as captain on private corporate jets delivering stars and celebrities around the country. He was well known by aviation enthusiasts around our local airport where, for many years, had a flight school where he taught many of our local pilots to fly. Chris earned his degree in aviation from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University, and was currently working on his Masters in Aviation. Chris flew as Captain for Mesa Airlines, a subsidiary of United, then went on to teach aviation for Flight Safety Int'l. in Florida. He always wanted to fly corporate jets and was happy to top off his career doing just that. He met his wife, Michelle, while she was working as a D.J. for our local radio station KNCO/Star. One of our local service clubs had an auction and the prize was a date with the radio station's beautiful D.J. Chris out-bid everyone else and won his future bride. Chris was a dedicated father to Ben and was a volunteer coach in the Junior Miners and loyal Miner's fan while Ben played football at N.U. under Coach Umphers. Ben went on to become a commercial pilot, too, and the two of them claimed fame as father and son flying for the same airline. Chris's jolly smile will be missed. The family would love to hear your memories or share pictures you may have of Chris. Send to his brother John at 10156 Dalewood Way, Grass Valley 95949